The first ever winner of The Apprentice, Tim Campbell, is to return to the show as Lord Sugar's new advisor.
The 44-year-old, who triumphed in 2005, will fill in for Claude Littner as he takes a one-series break following an operation earlier this year.
Karren Brady will be returning in her usual role for the new series, which started filming in London this week.
"Claude has been part of the series since the beginning and is leaving an important boardroom chair to temporarily fill," said Sugar.
"I've been speaking to him regularly about his recovery, and of course hope we see him back in the boardroom very soon.
"In the meantime, my former winner Tim Campbell will step into Claude's seat and be my eyes and ears as the candidates face a tough set of business challenges in the upcoming series."
Campbell, who now runs a charity helping young entrepreneurs, said: "I'm excited to be looking after Claude's boardroom chair while he recuperates and look forward to seeing what the candidates come up with on this year's tasks.
"I was saddened by the circumstances which led to getting the call from Lord Sugar, but having been on the show myself, I know the hard work that goes into it - so I didn't take the decision lightly.
"I wish Claude the very best as he recovers."
In announcing the news, the BBC has also confirmed that the new series will air on BBC One "in early 2022".
Neil Wilkes
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